Hi everyone,

Welcome back!  How are you?  I was just doing a little stretching before you got here.  After a little confusion yesterday, I was eventually able to push back our compost delivery to today.  It's still gloomy outside, but it's not supposed to rain again for 48 hours, which makes all the difference.  The compost is much easier to spread when it's relatively dry, so I'm happy about the schedule change.  However, I've got get loose before the fun begins.  In the meantime, BDH and Little Buddha say the coffee is ready, so grab yourself a nice medium DD, and let's clear out some Tuesday Clutter.

Donald Trump couldn't resist the opportunity to appear before the TV cameras for another coronavirus briefing yesterday, despite vowing not to do it again last weekend.  It's like a heroin fix for his never-ending need for ego gratification.  He also couldn't resist the chance to be dishonest about a wide range of topics, because the man lies as comfortably as he breathes.  There's also this this creepy quote:

“There has been so much unnecessary death in this country. It could have been stopped and it could have been stopped short, but somebody a long time ago, it seems, decided not to do it that way. And the whole world is suffering because of it.”

That sounds like something Hannibal Lecter would say.  Presumably, he wants people to think he's talking about Barack Obama, as usual, but he's projecting as usual, and there's no remorse to go with it.  Trump is outraged by perceived media slights on a daily basis, but the death of over 50,000 Americans under his watch doesn't trigger a single emotion.  This sociopath needs to be removed from office as soon as possible.

Donald Trump was repeatedly warned by U.S. intelligence agencies in January and February about the coronavirus.  It appears their mistake was putting the information in writing, since the Great Pumpkin doesn't know how to read.

A new model estimates 74,000 U.S. coronavirus deaths by August, driven largely by states reopening early and people ignoring social distancing guidelines.  We understand appreciate the fears and concerns of those who have faced economic hardship caused by this pandemic.  However, our loathing runs strong for the selfish fools who are just having temper tantrums because they've been listening to Fox News for their entire lives and just "don't want the Deep State telling me what to do."   People shouldn't have to die because someone couldn't go without a trip to the beach or Burger King.

The CDC has released a list of six new symptoms associated with the coronavirus.  The original group was fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and now there's also chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.   Headaches are now a symptom?  What if you get a headache from reading the new list?  Does that count?  Really, whatever helps identify people who need to be prioritized in the testing process works for us.

We're saddened to hear about the death of Dr. Lorna Breen, who worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital's emergency room, where she dealt with an onslaught of coronavirus cases on a daily basis.  Dr. Breen reportedly died from suicide, and her family discussed the terrible things she saw while doing her job so bravely.  Our thoughts go out to her loved ones, and as always, we extend our appreciation to all of the first responders out there who are doing everything they can to keep all of us safe. 

A Massachusetts General Hospital simulator says coronavirus-related deaths could surge again if stay-at-home restrictions are lifted too soon.  Governor Charlie Baker's current stay-at-home order is supposed to expire on May 4, but it will probably be extended for the foreseeable future.

Comcast and Verizon both announced that their "no-disconnect" policies will now run through June 30.   Add that to the growing list of indications that this crisis won't be ending anytime soon, even as some states rush to reopen.

A documentary about Michelle Obama will be released on Netflix on May 6.  It's called Becoming, and it's about the former first lady's life, including a look at her recent book tour promoting her autobiography by the same name.  The film was produced by the Obama's new company Higher Ground, who has a deal with the streaming service.  That should be a popular choice on Netflix.  People will likely flock to watch it so they can remember what it was like when the White House had residents who weren't national security and health threats. 

Is it too late to make Michelle Obama the Democratic presidential nominee?  (pic via billboard.com)

While the Federal Reserve is focused on propping up the stock market, keeping interest rates this low is a punishment for people who save their money.  The Clutter investment team will have to run the numbers again, but at this point, our savings account probably earns just about enough interest to cover one medium coffee and maybe a bagel each month.  Actually, we're not sure about the bagel.  

The NBA was talking about opening team practice facilities in a limited capacity in states that have relaxed their stay-at-home restrictions.  However, Commissioner Adam Silver now says that won't happen until May 8 at the earliest, because of safety concerns.  Silver has seemed like one of the most realistic sports officials during this crisis, so hopefully he won't be pressured into reopening the NBA prematurely,  We all miss sports, along with the rest of what used to be "normal" life, but it's better to err on the side of caution than cause a new crisis because you're in a rush.

New England Patriots fullback James Develin announced his retirement yesterday.  Develin has been dealing with a neck injury that knocked him out after two games last season, and apparently it isn't healing well enough to make a return to the NFL possible.  That's too bad.  He was a treat to watch for seven years in New England.  Fullbacks are not a common sight in the NFL these days, and it was fun to see him clear the way time after time for every running back behind him.  Develin was a powerful battering ram, and now he's paid the price for it.  This is why we don't begrudge football players their contracts.  They put their bodies on the line game after game, and their careers can end at any time.  We wish Develin the best in his future endeavors. 

New Patriots kicker Justin Rohrwasser is off to a bad start with all of the stories about his tattoo supporting a white nationalist militia group.  Rohrwasser is pushing the "I was a dumb kid" defense hard and says he will cover up the tattoo, although it's not clear what that means.  We've got no problem rooting against him, and we suggest that maybe the Patriots could do just a touch more research on his eventual replacement.

There's an Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt special coming to Netflix on May 12, and it's also interactive!  We loved those Choose Your Own Adventure books back in the day.  Do you think you have to know the show well to enjoy playing along, or nah?  In any case, here's the trailer:

The new Pete Davidson/Judd Apatow movie The King of Staten Island will be released digitally on June 12 instead of in the theaters.  As much as we've enjoyed Davidson in the last two Saturday Night Live at Home episodes, we'll be taking a pass on this film, but feel free to send us your reviews at [email protected].

Speaking of SNL at Home, Dr. Anthony Fauci apparently loved Brad Pitt's portrayal of him last weekend, because really, who is going to complain when Brad Pitt portrays you on national television?

In case you missed it (like we did), there were two recent Avengers watch parties on social media which produced a lot of interesting tidbits about how Infinity War and Endgame could have been different.

Okay kids, that's going to do it for now.  Let's have Bastille close things out with a live version of, "Pompeii," for today's, "Song of the Day."

Thanks for stopping by, everyone.  We always love getting the change to hang out with you for a bit, especially with everything else happening right now.  Stay safe, be good, and we'll catch up with you again soon.  Until next time, that's today's Clearing out the Clutter, and we are outta here.